Should I Wear Pads for Discharge?

Vaginal discharge. We rarely talk about it, but half the population deal with it daily for about FORTY years, from just before they start their period at age 8 or 9, until it tapers off approaching menopause.

It's a normal part of the menstrual cycle. It’s your body's natural way of keeping your vagina clean and healthy. In saying all this, some people choose to wear pads or panty liners for discharge for added comfort, protection, or perceived hygiene reasons.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about vaginal discharge, whether you should use pads for it, and some alternatives that might be more comfortable and better for the planet.

What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a mix of fluid and cells which helps keep your vagina clean, moist, and free of infections. It varies in consistency and amount throughout your cycle due to hormonal changes.

You might notice more discharge during ovulation (around the middle of your cycle) when your body produces clear, stretchy cervical mucus to help sperm travel if you’re trying to conceive. Other times, discharge may be white and creamy—all totally normal!

You might also notice more vaginal discharge when you're sexually aroused as it acts as lubrication for intercourse.

However, if discharge is ever unusually thick, has a strong odour, or changes colour, it might be a sign of a vaginal infection (more on that below).

Should I Wear Pads for Discharge?

You don't need to wear pads for discharge, it's a personal choice and comes down to you. Some people prefer to wear them daily to keep feeling fresh, while others don’t feel the need.

Pads can help if you experience heavier discharge, but they can also feel bulky or uncomfortable for everyday use. If you prefer a lighter option, wear panty liners or period pants as an alternative.

When Should You Use Pads for Discharge?

Here's when using pads for discharge might be worth considering:

✅ You experience heavy discharge: Some people produce a large amount of vaginal discharge, so wearing a pad can absorb excess moisture and prevent discomfort.

✅ To protect your underwear: If you don’t want discharge staining or bleaching your underwear, wearing a panty liner can protect your undies.

✅ During pregnancy: It’s common to have increased discharge during pregnancy, and some people find pads helpful for staying dry.

✅ If you’re waiting for your period: If your period is due but hasn’t arrived yet, wearing a pad for discharge can prevent leaks.

✅ After your period ends: It’s normal to experience light brown or pinkish discharge as your period finishes, and a pad can help with any leftover spotting.

However, if you find pads uncomfortable for everyday use, there are other options!

'Excellent period pants. Actually used this in the very late stage of pregnancy as fluids discharge increased and very comfortable to wear. Hoping to use it for first bleed after birth too!' Trustpilot Review

Are Panty Liners a Better Alternative?

For light daily discharge, panty liners might be a better option than pads. They’re thinner, more breathable, and provide just enough protection without the bulk.

At Cheeky, we offer reusable panty liners made from soft, skin-friendly organic cotton which absorbs discharge while allowing your skin to breathe.

They don’t contain plastic or harsh chemicals, so they’re gentler on your skin and better for the environment.

Other alternatives for managing discharge include:

💡 Period Pants – Designed to absorb both period flow and discharge, reusable period pants are an easy way to stay fresh during the day. Browse our period pants collection to find the right style for you.

💡 Breathable Cotton Underwear – Choosing natural, breathable fabrics like cotton can help reduce irritation and allow moisture to evaporate naturally.

It should be noted that menstrual cups aren't recommended for daily use as the repeated insertion and removal could cause irritation.

'I actually bought these to try and experiment with using them as cycling underwear, because I sweat heavily and hate the feeling of damp underwear. "Sweat-wicking" sports briefs weren't good enough, plus I usually wear a reusable liner for daily discharge, and sweaty liners are uncomfortable. I'm pleased with these briefs. The extra coverage at the back helps them to not wedgie....they cope well with sweat! Great to stay feeling dry. I love the fact that the label is printed into the material, so no sticking-out labels. The briefs are made of cotton so very comfortable against the skin. Classy black makes them look like normal underwear.' Boybrief Pants Review

Warning Signs to Look Out For

While vaginal discharge is normal, certain changes could indicate an issue that needs medical attention. Watch out for:

🚩 Foul smelling odour – A strong, fishy odour could be a sign of bacterial infections such as Bacterial vaginosis (BV), while a yeasty smell might indicate a yeast infection.

🚩 Unusual colour – If your discharge is yellow, green, or grey, this could signal an infection or Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).

🚩 Thick, white, clumpy texture – Cottage cheese-like discharge is a classic symptom of a yeast infection.

🚩 Itching, burning, or irritation – Any discomfort alongside changes in discharge could mean something isn’t right.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to check in with your GP to rule out infections or other conditions.

Conclusion

Wearing pads for discharge is a personal preference, and while they can be useful in certain situations, you don’t need to wear one if you’re comfortable without it. If you prefer a thinner, more breathable option, reusable panty liners or period pants might be a better choice for everyday wear.

If you’re interested in eco-friendly, reusable alternatives, check out:

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Ladies Washable Panty Liners for Mild Incontinence - 19 cm £6.99 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Ladies Reusable Incontinence Liners - 20.5 cm £8.49 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Bamboo Panty LINERS - Bamboo Plush £3.99 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Cotton Reusable Panty Liners - Washable £4.49 View Product Trustpilot

For more tips, check out our related blog posts:

• Is It Bad to Wear a Pad When I’m Not on My Period?
• Panty Liners vs. Sanitary Pads: What’s the Difference?
• How Long Do Reusable Cloth Pads Last?
• Can I wear the same pad all day and all night?

We’d love to hear from you! Do you use pads for discharge, or do you prefer a different option? Let us know in the comments or reach out to our team for personalised advice – we love to talk pee, poo, and periods and are always happy to help!

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as pads and tampons were no longer an option for her menstrual flow and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads for any type of period and flow day.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.